Brasserie Black Door Head Chef crowned North East Chef of the Year!

21/05/2009

THE cream of the region’s culinary industry was yesterday gathered to compete for the title of chef of the year.

After a record number of entries, 13 hopefuls were at Gosforth Park Racecourse to battle it out in the final of the North East Culinary Trade Association competition.

Andrew Wilkinson, 22, Head Chef of the Brasserie Black Door was eventually crowned the winner, with the judges commenting on the excellent texture and seasoning of his dishes.

Chairman of the judges, Douglas Jordan of the acclaimed Jordan’s restaurant in Ryton, Gateshead, helped to organise the competition, which showcases talent from kitchens around the region.

He said: “It was an excellent day and I’m pleased to say that the competition is going from strength-to-strength, with this year being the most popular event ever. The judges were industry experts from the country’s top hotels and the competition was fierce.

“They commented on the extremely high standards and how all of the chefs were excellent ambassadors for the North East.

“It was great to see such talent on display. From its beginnings, this competition is now one of the best in the country.”

In a bid to impress the judges, the 13 chefs designed a three-course locally-inspired menu based around a pasta starter, shoulder of lamb main course and apricot dessert.

One of the judges Henry Brosi, executive chef at the Dorchester Hotel, is in charge of one of the largest kitchens in London and oversees more than 100 full-time chefs.

Mr Brosi said: “The North East has some beautiful ingredients of the finest quality and it is good to see this in many of the dishes. Some of the chefs taking part are very skilled.”

David Kennedy Executive Chef of the Black Door Group, who trained winner Andrew, thinks this sort of event is just what the region needs to put it on the culinary map.

He said: “Andrew has done really well. He has worked really hard and definitely deserved to win.

“This competition is great as it helps to showcase some fantastic young talent.”

Well done to Andrew for this fantastic achievement from all the team at the Black Door Group.

 

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